House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Announcement on Health and Disability Assessment Services
02 March 2020 · Department for Work and Pensions
Proposed by Justin Tomlinson Con North Swindon
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Department will develop a new integrated assessment service for disability benefits starting in Autumn 2021.
- Assessments will be conducted by DWP staff rather than outsourced providers.
- Two Prior Information Notices will be issued to procure contracts for assessments from August 2021.
Issue summary
The statement addresses plans to reform disability assessment services for Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, and Personal Independence Payment under the Health Transformation Programme.
Action requested
The Department will develop a new integrated assessment service on a small scale in a defined part of the country starting in Autumn 2021. Assessments will be conducted by DWP rather than outsourced providers, allowing for flexibility to explore new ideas and improve service delivery. Two Prior Information Notices will also be issued today to procure contracts for PIP and WCA assessments from August 2021.
Key facts
- Transition towards an integrated assessment service with a single digital platform developed by DWP.
- Assessments in the Transformation Area will be conducted directly by DWP rather than outsourced providers.
- Two Prior Information Notices to procure contracts for PIP and WCA assessments from 1 August 2021.
- Current contracts end on 31 July 2021.
- Transformation Area starts in Autumn 2021.